"Glee" star Jane Lynch tells fans to "relax" in memoir

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress Jane Lynch, who has enjoyed breakout success as the scheming cheerleader coach Sue Sylvester on hit television comedy "Glee," will write a memoir of her life with this message to her many fans: "relax."

Publisher Hyperion's Voice imprint said Lynch's "Happy Accidents" is scheduled to hit bookstores in September 2011, focusing on her career and life, getting sober and embracing her sexuality.

Lynch, 50 is an open lesbian in an industry where being gay can often bring fewer jobs to actors.

"If I could go back in time and have a conversation with my 18-year-old self, the first thing I'd say is, 'Lose the perm.' Second, I would say, 'Relax. Really -- just relax. Don't sweat it,'" Lynch said in a statement.

"For a long time, I was anxious and fearful that the parade would pass me by, and that someone or something outside myself had all the answers. Having finally reached a happy place -- a happy accidents place -- I want to share my story with others, to let them know things aren't as bad as they fear," she said.

Lynch started acting with the Steppenwolf Theater Company and The Second City comedy troupe, and for many years enjoyed success as a character actor on numerous TV shows such as "Two and a Half Men" and in movies like "Best in Show."

But it was musical "Glee" and the Sylvester character that sent her star soaring. The character, who has sharp criticism for anyone who crosses her path on the way to cheerleading success, has earned Lynch Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for best supporting actress.